Going Green? Invest in a Manufactured Home!

Energy costs are rising, which means mobile homeowners are paying more and more every year to cool their homes in the San Antonio heat. That means many people are considering energy efficiency more than ever before. 

Fortunately, manufactured homes are becoming more energy-efficient. They have a reputation for not being cost-efficient when it comes to utilities. Previously, mobile homeowners paid just as much, if not more, to heat and cool their homes. Today, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has set standards for energy efficiency in place that ensure this is no longer the case. 

Additionally, energy efficiency is a top priority for mobile home manufacturers. For example, our Clayton mobile homes are leading the industry with more sustainable building practices and more energy-efficient features, like smart home thermostats. Nowadays, some of the most energy-efficient homes are manufactured! 

Manufactured Homes: The Energy Efficient Way to Build Your Dream Home

Manufactured homes are more energy-efficient than stick-built houses because of the very nature of the construction process. They are built part by part in a factory before being transported to the land where they will be placed. This aspect of the process is very different than building a home in the traditional way, and it is the key to greater energy efficiency. 

First, because they are manufactured and then shipped to the site, the building process is much more controlled. It cannot be interrupted by inclement wealth conditions, unlike a site-built home. If a rainstorm occurs while constructing a home onsite, it can cause significant damage. This is not a concern when manufacturing a home because the building process occurs all indoors. 

Additionally, manufactured homes are built with a specific floor plan that is reproduced many times. This means that there is less risk of unforeseen issues disrupting the process. Therefore, the materials are conserved, reducing the overall cost of production. 

All in all, manufactured homes are built more efficiently and with less waste than site-built homes.

Mobile Home Appliances: The Energy-Friendly Option

Mobile homes are now being outfitted with some of the most energy-efficient appliances available. Not only do they work faster and quieter than in previous years, but you can also save a lot on energy costs with the newer models. For example, washers and dryers now feature a low-energy mode, which allows you to wash and dry clothes more efficiently. Dishwashers also include features like this, which are now standard in mobile homes. 

Save Money With Your Mobile Home Thermostat

Manufactured homes are also increasing their energy efficiency with the HVAC system. Smart thermostats come standard with modern mobile homes. The technology here has enabled mobile homeowners to lower their home’s temperature automatically when they don’t need it as high, such as overnight, and prioritize only when it is used the most. 

The specific energy savings vary from brand to brand, but it’s estimated that you can save around 30% of your energy costs per year by using a smart thermostat. 

How to Make Your Mobile Home More Energy Efficient 

Even with these factors, you may want to cut costs further. Fortunately, it’s relatively simple to make your mobile home even more energy-efficient. 

• Give your roof some TLC. Installing a roof coating and insulating the roof can significantly reduce your air conditioning costs under the hot Texas sun. Some roof coatings can reflect up to 85% of sunlight, which makes a significant difference during our muggy summers. 
• Insulate your mobile home. Manufactured homeowners sometimes struggle with poor insulation. This means their air conditioning and heat are leaking. According to the Department of Energy, insulating the walls and the underbelly of a mobile home can reduce the heat loss by 13%. 
• Choose energy-efficiency lighting. A quick way to lower your electricity bill is to switch from incandescent lighting to LEDs or CFLs. These energy-efficient lightbulbs are approximately 85% more efficient than traditional lighting. Replacing your mobile home’s five most frequently used lights with energy-efficient light bulbs can save you $225 each year.
• Update your appliances. If you have an older refrigerator, dishwasher, or washing machine, chances are, you are losing money on your utility bill. Modern appliances are designed with energy efficiency in mind, saving you hundreds per year.
• Service your HVAC. If it has been a while since you cleaned or replaced your furnace filter, your HVAC system is working twice as hard then it needs to be. Make sure you service your heating and cooling system twice a year to maximize efficiency. 

Invest in an Energy-Efficient Manufactured Home

At Braustin Homes, we want to ensure every family has access to the American dream of homeownership. Rising utility costs should not get in the way of the average family accessing this affordable housing option. If you are looking for an energy-efficient manufactured home, we would love to help you out. Contact one of our Housing Consultants for assistance!